Video Guitar Lesson: Graduated Solos – Standard in C

Standard in C – Introduction 1

The melody here is based on a standard 32 bar progression in the key of C. The chords are mostly from the key of C major but with some very cool exceptions…in this composition there is liberal use of dominant chords(replacing the diatonic minor chords)functioning as a II dominant, a VI dominant, and also a III dominant chord leading to the relative minor. Knowledge of arpeggios here is critical so you don’t have to change keys to realize these colorful harmonic ideas. Study my lines closely!

Standard in C – Breakdown 1

Standard in C – Introduction 2

In this section I have taken the basic melody and used motific development to strengthen and embellish it. In other words I have used repeating phrases and lines to color the original melody. This solo requires more chops to play so take your time and play everything slowly so you can get the phrasing correct! Remember, a strong melody will sound great played at any tempo!

Standard in C – Breakdown 2

Standard in C – Introduction 3

In this solo the tempo is much faster, mirroring an actual playing situation you might find yourself in. If you study my solo closely you will find that many of the ideas that I initiated in the earlier solos have been expanded upon. I am now using compound ideas (more than one idea at a time combined into one long phrase) and complex arpeggiated figures mixed with scale tones! Have fun, and try taking some of these cool ideas and playing them in other registers on the guitar and in different keys..then you can start making up your own ideas!